This morning I got the same feeling when I entered the newsagent and eyed off the women's stand as I did the Christmas morning when I unwrapped my first Cabbage Patch Doll (Sally-Anne, where did you go?). Because there, nestled amongst all the gossipy weeklys and show-offy fashionies, was a fresh new Australian Women's Weekly glowing with all the joy of Christmas.

I really don't know what to be more excited about – Ellen on the cover of O The Oprah Magazine or MasterChef's Julie Goodwin resplendent in red and glowing like a superstar (with perfectly arched eyebrows, may I note), her diamond earrings a-sparkling and bountiful bust a-heaving, for the Weekly.

Then there's the Weekly's bonus bag to consider, which comes lovingly plastic wrapped with the words 'This Bag Is Not a Toy Made in China.' The Weekly had a little joke (see here to get my drift)! A gift AND a little humour. Oh, it's almost too much. I need to sit down like nanna after a few too many Christmas sherries. Someone fetch me a cold face cloth.

Let's take a quick peek inside this festive tome: lots of ads, of course; personalities posing in their festive finery; Penelope Cruz (bonus!); stories of love and giving; David Leser reporting on Jerusalem; Joe Hockey on being a dad; Serena Williams sizzling in a swimsuit; Del Kathryn Barton fronting the new 'Inspire: Women we admire' section; Santa in a fashion shoot; a 12 Days of Christmas Diet Plan; psychologist Kati St Clair on 'Keeping the peace at Christmas'; Kathy Lette on festive fun (see 'Inspire Laughs'); Wendy Squires on A-list parties; Pat McDermott's 'yule rules'; pages and pages of Julie's festive food; Maggie Tabberer and Monica Trapaga setting the Christmas table; a 12 days of Christmas giveaway; DIY decorating ideas; AND a book of Christmas carols.

Naysayers may pooh-pooh the return to airbrushing the cover after Sarah Murdoch's sans Photoshop issue, but I am blinded by all the goodness on offer here. Bless you, Helen McCabe – you've totally hit the right note.

I'm not normally a Woman's Weekly buyer - but, because money and circulation talks - thought I'd best support them for putting a woman with arms, breasts and a round, happy face on the cover. So I dashed to the newsagents after reading this and bought a copy.

I don't normally buy AWW either but always have a soft spot for the December issues...this one looks like a real winner! The Sonia Kruger Christmas cover from two years ago (I think?) was one of my favourite mag covers of all time! It was so utterly pretty and festive.

I LOVED last month's Sarah Murdoch cover and will definitely pick up any other non-airbrushed covers they run. (Hint, hint.)

I saw this cover at the checkout at Woolworths this afternoon and was captivated. It's glowy and gives off a good vibe. Not to mention Julie does look stunning and (shock!) isn't skinny! No sign of the free tote bag there though.

As lovely as it was I was more tempted to buy STYD but chastened myself and put it back. The things in that magazine are seriously too tempting, it's best this way.

I saw this cover at the checkout at Woolworths this afternoon and was captivated. It's glowy and gives off a good vibe. Not to mention Julie does look stunning and (shock!) isn't skinny! No sign of the free tote bag there though.

As lovely as it was I was more tempted to buy STYD but chastened myself and put it back. The things in that magazine are seriously too tempting, it's best this way.

Is it just me or, despite the gorgeous woman beaming out from it, doesn't this cover look DATED in a big way?? I think it's the colour and the fonts (and perhaps the ubiquitous pile of baubles) that are the problem. Maybe it's sparklier in real life?

I've been a little worried about Antonia for a while now. Surprised that the glossips are reporting Katie Holmes is addicted to exercise but are staying away from Antonia – perhaps a little too close to home?

I loved seeing Julie on the cover - makes us all feel a little more capable to compete in the glamour stakes. Was greatly disappointed to see the AWW short story winner for 2009 missing again! Winner announced 3 months ago, and yet no story?Hmm, knew they should have chosen mine! (But you can read it on my blog and judge for yourselves - nothing like a bit of blatant self promotion).

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Girl With a Satchel unpacks culture, faith, feminism and media in an effort to elucidate all that's good and right and true while dipping our toes into what's lovely, inspiring and praiseworthy, too. We don't always get it right but we have a duty to try. And we are always pleased to meet you.